According to the changes to the CMK, the specially authorized courts will continue to oversee all terrorism and coup-related cases that are still ongoing until a final verdict is reached.

World Bulletin / News Desk

The Justice and Development Party (AK Party) government revised three articles of the Code on Criminal Procedure (CMK) in Parliament on Sunday and, with the new changes, has abolished the country's specially authorized courts.

According to the changes to the CMK, the specially authorized courts will continue to oversee all terrorism and coup-related cases that are still ongoing until a final verdict is reached.

Thus the new amendments to the CMK will not have an effect on cases related to Balyoz (Sledgehammer), a suspected coup plot believed to have been devised in 2003 with the aim to unseat the AK Party government through violent acts; Ergenekon, a clandestine terrorist organization charged with plotting to overthrow the government; and the Kurdistan Communities Union (KCK), an umbrella organization that includes the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) and other related organizations.

Furthermore, prosecutors have been granted the right to initiate investigations of terrorism or anti-government crimes without acquiring prior permission from a court.

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